Alexandria Engineering Journal (2016) 55, 2439–2447

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Alexandria University

Alexandria Engineering Journal

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Influence of Tencel/cotton blends on knitted fabric

performance
Alaa Arafa Badr a,*, Ahmed Hassanin a, Mahmood Moursey b

a
Department of Textile Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt
b
National Institute for Standards ‘‘NIS”, Egypt

Received 11 May 2015; revised 24 February 2016; accepted 29 February 2016

Available online 6 August 2016

KEYWORDS Abstract The requirements in terms of wearing comfort with sportswear, underwear and outer-
Tencel; wear are widely linked to the use of new fibers. Today, Tencel fiber is one of the most important
Lyocell; developments in regenerated cellulosic fiber. However, the relation between Tencel fiber properties
Tencel-LF; and fabric characteristics has not been enough studied in the literature especially the influence of
Tencel-STD; fiber materials on mechanical, Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and absorption properties.
Bamboo; Therefore, in this study, knitted fabric samples were manufactured with eight different yarns with
Micro-modal two fabric types (single jersey and single jersey with Lycra). 30/1-Ne yarns from natural and regen-
erated cellulosic fibers: 50% Tencel-LF/50% cotton, 67% Tencel-LF/33% cotton, 67% Tencel-
STD/33% cotton, 70% bamboo/30% cotton, 100% bamboo, 100% Modal, 100% Micro-Modal
and 100% cotton were employed. Then, all the produced fabrics were subjected to five cycles laun-
dering and then flat dried. The results show that 67% Tencel-LF/33% cotton has more flexural
rigidity and withdrawing handle force than 67% Tencel-STD/33% cotton fabric, while 67%
Tencel-STD/33% cotton has a merit of durability during bursting test. Blending Egyptian cotton
fibers with bamboo and Tencel as in 70/30% bamboo/cotton and 50/50% Tencel-LF/cotton
improve UPF of the produced fabric.
Ó 2016 Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an
open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

1. Introduction The natural and regenerated cellulose fibers maintain their

Regenerated cellulose fibers are increasingly used in apparel
production driven by the continuous improvement of their
inherent qualities and introduction of new brands in the mar-
ket like TENCEL. This study aimed at studying and compar-
ing Tencel fibers to other regenerated cellulosic fibers and their
blends with cotton.
* Corresponding author.
Peer review under responsibility of Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria
University.
reputation, where it provides apparels the best softness,
strength and good appearance.
Cellulose fibers are included in the group of high comfort
fibers. One of the essential developments in new regenerated
cellulosic fiber technology is ‘‘TENCEL Fibre Process” which
is the recorded trademark of Courtaulds Fibres Ltd. Company
that uses N-methyl-morphine-N-oxide (NMMO) that is used
to dissolve cellulose. The generic name for Tencel is Lyocell [1].
The versatility of this fiber produces outstanding fabrics for
both men’s and women’s casual and tailored wear, as well as
women lingerie. Furthermore, the reason for its current emer-

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2016.02.031
1110-0168 Ó 2016 Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
2440
gence on the market is that Lyocell fiber has the advantage of
being used in a less contaminant spinning process than the one
for conventional viscose [2–5].
Lyocell is produced from wood pulp using a solvent spin-
ning process. More than 99% of the solvent is recycled within
the process, making the fiber production really environmen-
tally accountable. The standard fiber produced is 1.4 dtex,
38 mm, but it can be produced in a range of linear densities
and staple lengths. The fiber has a smooth surface and a round
cross section, giving high luster in the raw state [6].
The Tencel fiber has a circular cross-section and it has a
smooth surface as a result of its spinning process, where the
cellulosic fibers undergo quick and high penetration of solvent
which leads to consistent coagulation. The special spinning
method of Tencel from conventional viscose fiber causes the
formation of very long exclusive crystalline arrangement of
its cellulose units which are extremely greatly oriented in the
longitudinal axis of the fiber [7].
These factors cause significant differences in fiber proper-
ties. Tencel fibers have a high degree of crystallinity and are
composed of elementary fibrils, oriented nearly parallel to the
fiber axis. Between some of the fibrils are long thin voids.
When the fiber as a whole is hydrated, swelling occurs, which
changes the void size shape and orientation. This leaves
spaces in the structure across ‘‘filled amorphous regions”
with which the crystalline units are connected by hydrogen
bonding [6,8].
Lyocell fibers are characterized by their high strength in
both dry and wet states. Standard Lyocell fibers, in compar-
ison with other cellulose fibers (viscose), have a higher break-
ing strength, either wet or dry. In the wet state, Lyocell keeps
85% of its dry strength and is the only man-made cellulosic
fiber which is stronger than cotton at the wet state. Also, enor-
mous differences exist between Lyocell and cotton in both
thermal transmission and vapor permeability [1,5].
Lyocell fibers absorb moisture and have a high modulus
that causes small shrinkage in water. Like all cellulose fibers,
Lyocell fiber absorbs water perfectly and gives hygienic prop-
erties to textile products. Tencel fabrics and garments exhibit
superior stability when washed [1,5,6].
Additionally, fabrics in Tencel are characterized by their
silky handle, distinctive drape and fluidity. Tencel is an out-
standing alternative to cotton and plays an important position
in the textile market for fashion wear, bed linen, towels, etc.
Tencel can be successfully used in the production of underwear
and apparels. They can also be used in technical textiles, non-
wovens and foils. Tencel fibers show huge advantages in adapt-
ing to the requirements of the end product both when spun
alone and in different blends particularly with cotton. The
additions of Tencel to cotton have also a positive impact on
yarn mechanical properties especially tenacity and elongation,
and on spinning stability [1,5,9].
Textile fabrics made of Lyocell staple fibers undergo con-
trolled fibrillation and defibrillation by specific finishing pro-
cesses. Fibrillation is one of the mainly essential physical
properties of Tencel fiber. Lyocell fibers are distinguished by
their specific ability to fibrillate in a wet state under the impact
of external mechanical effects. Fibrillation means the detach-
ment of fibrils along the fabric surface of individual fibers
swollen in water, which is caused by mechanical aggression
action.
A.A. Badr et al.
Swelling of the porous regions of the fiber breaks the hydro-
gen bonds connecting the crystalline units and forces them
away from each other. Mechanical action causes the external
crystalline regions to break and peel away from the foremost
fiber. These peelings are called fibrils. The fibrillation effect
can be applied to benefit from generating fabrics of good-
looking appearance and attractive handle ‘‘peach skin effect”
[10,11].
Dziworska et al. [12] and Ibbett and Hsieh [2] studied the
effect of liquid swelling on the structural rearrangement of
Lyocell twill fabrics using different techniques. Fabrics with
Tencel fiber wefts were distinguished by superior crease resis-
tance in comparison with fabrics with cotton and viscose wefts.
Furthermore, fabrics with Lyocell weft fiber showed greater air
permeability in comparison with fabrics with cotton and vis-
cose wefts.
Bamboo fiber is a kind of regenerated cellulose fiber, gen-
erated from bamboo pulp. Bamboo fiber is famous as the
natural, green and eco-friendly textile material. Bamboo fiber
has some distinctive properties such as natural anti-bacteria
and breathable. Bamboo fibers are also important for clothes
and other textile applications such as filters and medical
[13,14].
While some good studies have been made to investigate and
evaluate the properties of Tencel fiber blended yarns, there is a
lack of in depth study on the performance of Tencel fabric
properties. Consequently, the aim of this present study was
to produce knitted fabrics with better comfort properties by
utilizing the excellent characteristics of Tencel fibers. For this
aim, we focus to explore some mechanical, ultraviolet protec-
tion and moisture transport behavior of these knitted fabrics.
2. Material and methods
2.1. Material
In this study, 30/1, 50% Tencel LF/50% cotton, 67% Tencel
LF/33% cotton, 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton, 70% bam-
boo/30% cotton, 100% bamboo, 100% Modal, 100% Micro
Modal and 100% Egyptian cotton yarns are used to knit single
jersey and single jersey with Lycra knitted fabrics. The proper-
ties of the Egyptian cotton Giza 88 used in this research work
are given in Table 1. Also, the properties of the Tencel, Bam-
boo, Modal and Micro Modal fibers are cleared in Table 2.
Moreover, Table 3 shows the properties of the yarns applied
in this work.
2.2. Fabric manufacture
The single jersey and single jersey with Lycra samples were
produced on the same knitting machine with 24 gauge, Santoni
S.P.A., SJ-B model, 18-in. diameter, 54 feeders and with total
number of needles equal to 1356.
The loop length was kept constant at 2.8 mm value for all
the knitted samples. Also, the yarn input tension was kept con-
stant at a value equal to 5 CN.
After that, all fabric samples were subjected to a repeated
laundering process (five cycles) under AATCC standard and
then flat-dried. The specifications of all the knitted fabric sam-
ples are shown in Table 4.
Influence of Tencel/cotton blends 2441

Table 1 Cotton fiber properties.

Length Uniformity % Strength Elongation % MIC Rd b+ Trash count Maturity %
Cotton Giza 88 35.1 87.3 45 3.78 3.96 67.1 11.5 40 85

Table 2 Regenerated fibers properties. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF is a measure that
linked to the time taken before human skin begins to redden
Fiber type Fiber length (mm) Fiber fineness (dtex)
after exposure to ultraviolet light. When radiation attacks a
Tencel (LF-STD) 38 1.3 textile surface some components are reflected, some are
Bamboo 38 1.6 absorbed, and some pass through it. The more the amount
Modal 39 1.3 of radiation able to pass across the textile, the lower the
Micro modal 39 1
UPF. In addition, water vapor permeability was measured
using ASTM E 96 – ‘‘Standard Test method for Water Vapor
Transmission of materials” – cup method. The circular sample
2.3. Methodology was put firmly covering a cup filled with distilled water. Under
the action of a difference of concentration (pressure), water
vapor is passed out from inside of cup to environment (outside
The influence of the experimental factors such as fiber material
of cup). Finally, handle force was measured by the fabric
and fabric structure on the fabric mechanical, ultraviolet pro-
hand-meter using the principle of the withdrawing the fabric
tection and moisture transport properties is evaluated for sig-
sample through a circular ring where there is a force generated
nificance using the analysis of variance.
during withdrawing the sample through this ring. The maxi-
mum value of the force happens when the whole specimen
2.4. Fabric testing
has almost passed through the ring.

After keeping the finished samples 72 h in standard conditions
(relative humidity = 65 + 2%
temperature = 20 + 2 °C),
the fabric properties were measured.
The fabric ball burst strength and air permeability (at 125 Pa)
were evaluated in accordance with the standards of ASTM
D6797 and ASTM D737 respectively. Abrasion resistance was
evaluated according to ASTM D4158 (at a pressure of
500 grams and abrasion wheels CS-10). Flexural rigidity was
determined according to ASTM-D1388 (Heart Loop Test).
The sample dimension was 20 cm stripe length and 2.5 mm
width. A strip of the fabric was formed into a heart shaped loop,
where the length of the loop is increased after hanging vertically
under its own mass. Record the loop length and convert its read-
ing to bending length by using a standard table directly. Lastly,
Flexural rigidity is expressed by using the following equation:
Flexural rigidity \lJ=m" ¼ fabric g=m2  bending length ðcmÞ
 1:421  10
4
Additionally, ultraviolet protection factor was measured
according to AS/NZS 4399 standard. A fabric’s ability to keep
its wearer from ultraviolet radiation is described as its
3. Results and discussion
The influence of the fiber material and fabric type on some fab-
ric properties was discussed for significance using R statistical
program by applying the ANOVA analysis as shown in
Table 5.
It is obvious from the statistical and experimental evalua-
tion that all the studied properties such as flexural rigidity,
abrasion resistance, ultraviolet protection factor, air perme-
ability and water vapor permeability values are significantly
affected at 5% significance level by fiber type and fabric type.
3.1. Bursting strength
The bursting strength of all studied fabrics is influenced by
fiber type and fabric type as shown in Fig. 1. The fiber type
and fabric type have significant effect on bursting strength of
all knitted samples. The single jersey fabrics made from
Tencel/cotton blended yarns show maximum bursting strength
compared with all other studied fabrics. The structural

Table 3 Yarn properties.

Cotton Bamboo Modal Micro Bamboo/cotton Tencel TENCEL TENCEL
100% 100% 100% modal (70:30%) LF/cotton LF/cotton STD/cotton
100% (50:50%) (67:33%) (67:33%)
Yarn count (Ne) 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1 30/1
TPI 19.6 19 20.3 19.7 21.16 18.15 20.29 20.29
Irregularity (CV %) 9.52 9.23 10.8 11 12.93 8.00 11.65 9.41
Thin places (
50%) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Thick places (+50) 18 14 6 9 11 26.3 18 7
Neps 67 45 20 38 32 39.6 57 25
CN/Tex 17.16 13.11 26.4 27 14.61 20.53 21.59 20.19
Elongation (%) 5.22 12.66 11 11.5 7.26 4.73 5.04 7.04
Hairiness (H) 6.23 4.7 6.4 6 4.87 5.26 6.18 5.93
2442 A.A. Badr et al.

Table 4 Specification and properties of the knitted fabric samples.

Sample no. Fiber type Fabric structure Courses (cm) Wales (cm) Fabric weight (g/m2) Thickness (mm)
1 50% Tencel LF 50% cotton SJL 36 18.8 336.5 0.768
2 100% Bamboo SJL 37.6 21.2 346 0.917
3 67% Tencel STD 33% cotton SJL 37.2 18.4 348.5 0.783
4 70% bamboo 30% cotton SJL 38.4 18.8 364.5 0.81
5 67% Tencel LF 33% cotton SJL 34.4 18 349.5 0.813
6 100% Modal SJL 34 20.4 398 0.785
7 100% Cotton SJL 34.4 18 295 0.726
8 100% MicroModal SJL 38.4 20 411 0.826
9 100% MicroModal SJ 20 16 141.5 0.4415
10 100% Cotton SJ 24 15.6 177 0.577
11 100% Bamboo SJ 22.8 16 154.5 0.4295
12 100% Modal SJ 21.2 14.8 133 0.559
13 70% bamboo 30% cotton SJ 23.6 16.4 177.5 0.4326
14 67% Tencel STD 33% cotton SJ 23.2 16.4 168.5 0.582
15 50% Tencel LF 50% cotton SJ 22.4 16 160 0.502
16 67% Tencel LF 33% cotton SJ 22.4 16.4 163 0.542

characteristics of Tencel fibers reveal their good mechanical
properties. The special properties of Tencel fibers are higher
strength, high degree of crystalline and molecular orientation
in comparison with other fiber types [15].
Moreover, the fibrils covered the 67% Tencel STD/33%
cotton fabric gives a protective layer against bursting stress
than 67% Tencel LF/33% cotton single jersey fabric.
Furthermore, single jersey with Lycra samples gives less
bursting strength values than plain single jersey for all studied
samples despite its higher g/m2 and thickness. The compactness
characteristics of single jersey with Lycra fabrics makes the fab-
ric to be stiffer which weaken the fabric during penetrating it.
3.2. Abrasion resistance
According to the statistical analysis and Fig. 2, there is a sig-
nificant relationship between the fiber type and the single jersey
fabric abrasion resistance. Fig. 2 indicates the relationship
between fabric abrasion resistance and fiber type. Where, it
is observed that single jersey 67% Tencel LF/33% cotton
and 50% Tencel LF/50% cotton have a higher abrasion resis-
tance than 100% cotton fabrics. This is due to the highest ten-
sile strength of Tencel fiber against cotton which makes it to be
more durable during abrasion test. The Tencel fibers have mer-
its of smoothness and softness against cotton fiber.
The surface fibers of standard Tencel STD are fibrillated to
produce a luxurious, soft-touch fabric with a peach skin sur-
face and this is the usual recognized quality of the fiber. So,
Fibrillation features of Tencel STD are observed. As a result,
during the abrasion resistance test, the resultant friction force
between the abraded paper and the Tencel STD fabric will be
high, which decreases the abrasion resistance of this fabric.
The micro fibers constituting the micro modal fabric affect
negatively the abrasion sustainability of this finest fabric.
These fibers are finer and as a result are more prone easily to
be destroyed under abrasion force.
Single jersey with Lycra fabric has a higher abrasion resis-
tance than single jersey fabric without Lycra. This is due to the
higher density and thickness of this fabric.
3.3. Flexural rigidity
Single jersey fabric produced from 100% cotton has higher
flexural rigidity values than the other studied fabrics, Fig. 3.
Also, the variance analysis obviously clears that the fiber mate-
rial does play an important role in influencing flexural rigidity
of the studied fabrics. In addition, it is noticed that 100% bam-
boo, 100% modal and 100% micro modal fabrics have a lower
flexural rigidity than 50% Tencel LF/50% cotton, 67% Tencel
LF/33% cotton, 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton and 70% Bam-
boo/30% cotton. This case could be due to the fact that blend-
ing of regenerated fibers with cotton fibers decreases the
flexural rigidity of the resultant fabric. As well, the cotton
yarns have the greatest hairy level and flexural rigidity, so,
the knitted loops cannot be compressed by far in this manner
increasing the fabric thickness. Also, the fabrics produced
from cotton fiber have a higher g/m2 and thickness than others
knitted from other regenerated fibers. Furthermore, the Ten-
cel, bamboo, and micro modal yarns have the least hairy level
and flexural rigidity than cotton.

Table 5 ANOVA test results.

Fabric properties
Process Bursting Abrasion Fabric flexural Handle U.P.F Air Water vapor
factors strength resistance rigidity force permeability permeability
Fiber type S S S S S S S
Fabric type S S S – – S S
S = significant at 95% confidence level, NS = non significant at 95% confidence level.
Influence of Tencel/cotton blends 2443

600.00

550.00

Bursng Strength "N"

500.00

450.00
SJ
400.00
SJL
350.00

300.00

250.00

200.00

Yarn blend rao

Figure 1 Bursting strength at different fiber types for different fabric types.

90
Abrasion resistance "no of rev."

85

80

75

70

65

60

55

50

Yarn blend ratio

Figure 2 Fabric abrasion resistance at different fiber types for different fabric types.

Additionally, 67% Tencel LF/33% cotton fabric has more
flexural rigidity than 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton fabric. The
contribution of the fibers inside the yarn for the Tencel LF
blend could be the reason of that trend.
On account of its higher thickness, the single jersey with
lycra fabrics demonstrates extra flexural rigidity than single
jersey samples. This tendency is clarified by the effect of the
more material which contained in this fabric and makes the
fabric thickness to be heightened.
3.4. Handle force
For this test property, the fabric specimen was pulled through
a highly polished stainless steel cylindrical ring attached to the
load cell. The load that is required to withdraw the fabric
through the hole is measured and this gives a measure of han-
dle force. The fabric is folded, compressed and rubbed against
the interior wall of the ring during withdrawal and squeezed it
to the dimension of the ring. This pulling force has a strong
relation with the fabric weight, bending properties, the coeffi-
cient of friction and work of compression. The maximum with-
drawal force can be taken as a measure of fabric handle force
[16].
Cotton rich blends give higher values of withdrawal force as
shown in Fig. 4. For fabrics containing Tencel/cotton blends, a
marked improvement in withdrawal force is evident. As it can
be seen the handle force for all Tencel/cotton blend fabrics is
less than the 100% cotton which is referred to the higher fiber
length and lower yarn hairiness level of this regenerated/cotton
blends yarns. The smoothness degree accompanied with Tencel
fibers decreases the friction between the fabric and ring surface
during withdrawing the fabric through the ring.
Additionally, the greatest decrease for withdrawing force
occurred in 100% micro-modal knitted fabrics. 70/30 Bam-
boo/cotton blended fabrics show the least improvement in
handle compared with other 70/30 Tencel/cotton blends. This
2444 A.A. Badr et al.

0.165

Flexural Regidity "µ joule/m"

0.125

SJ
0.085
SJL

0.045

0.005

Yarn blend ratio

Figure 3 Flexural rigidity at different fiber types for different fabric types.

proves the high drapability behavior of the micro-modal and
Tencel products and their low initial shear modulus.
There was no handle force values for single jersey with
Lycra fabric, because the weight of this fabric is above the
capacity of the ring.
3.5. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)
From Fig. 5, it could be seen the values of UPF ‘‘Ultraviolet
Protection Factor” for single jersey with respect to fiber type.
It is observed that blending Egyptian cotton with Tencel and
bamboo fibers as obvious in all blended ratios, improves
UPF characteristic of the final produced fabric. The possible
reason of this is the highest ultraviolet protection property of
the naturally Egyptian cotton. Also, the higher thickness and
cover factor of these cotton fabrics could be the reason of this
trend.
By investigating UPF of 70% Bamboo/30% cotton, 67%
Tencel LF/33% cotton and 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton
results, the Bamboo fibers have extra merits of resisting
ultraviolet radiations compared to Tencel fibers. By comparing
100% bamboo with 100% modal and 100% micro modal
values, the same conclusion could be reached.
Also, the fibrils covered the 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton
fabric gives more layer of protection against UPF than 67%
Tencel LF/33% cotton single jersey fabric.
There was no UPF chart for single jersey with Lycra fabric,
because values of UPF are above the measuring limits of the
device. The explanation of this behavior could be referred to
the lycra fabrics that have a higher cover factor and density
than single jersey fabric.
3.6. Air permeability
The results indicate that the air permeability of the single
jersey 100% modal, 100% micro modal and 100% Bamboo
samples is higher than the other fibers produced from cotton
or blended with cotton as noticed in Fig. 6. Cotton convolu-
tions are ribbon-like twists that characterize cotton. When cot-
ton fiber matures, lumen dries out and collapses which makes

1600

1400
Handle Force "g"

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

Yarn blend ratio

Figure 4 Handle force at different fiber types for different fabric types.
Influence of Tencel/cotton blends 2445

0.15200
0.14200
0.13200
0.12200
0.11200

UPF/Fabric Weight
0.10200
0.09200
0.08200
0.07200
0.06200
0.05200
0.04200
0.03200
0.02200
0.01200
0.00200

Yarn blend ratio

Figure 5 UPF at different fiber types for different fabric types.

140.00
Air Permeability "m3/m2/min"

120.00

100.00

80.00

60.00

40.00

20.00

0.00

Yarn blend ratio

Figure 6 Air permeability at different fiber types for different fabric types.

secondary wall start to twist. These fibers convolutions besides
extra cotton yarn hairiness enhance the air resistance of the
cotton samples. Furthermore, blending cotton with Tencel
fibers worsens the air permeability level of the produced fabric
with the knowledge that the Tencel fiber has its air condition-
ing naturally.
The air permeability reduces with the increase of the fiber
fineness. Therefore, the air permeability for the 100% micro
modal fabrics is lower than the 100% modal fabrics having
the coarsest fibers. It is normally acknowledged that the air
permeability of a fabric depends on the air porosity that affects
its openness. The more porosity the fabric has, the extra the
porous fabric is acquired. For the 100% micro modal, the
space inside the yarn reduces due to the existence of the high
number of fibers/yarn cross-section. Thus, the fabrics knitted
from these yarns have less open and permeable structures
and consequently less air permeability values.
The air permeability value of the 100% bamboo fabric is
lower than that of the modal sample. This may be partly attrib-
uted to the fact that bamboo fibers have some striated cracks dis-
tributed over the longitudinal surface, and they have many voids
in their cross section [7]. This might have heightened the friction
between the fiber surface and the air, creating a reduction in the
air permeability of fabrics knitted from these fibers.
Single jersey with Lycra fabrics has less air permeability
than normal single jersey fabric. This is because Lycra reduces
air gabs in fabric.
3.7. Water vapor permeability
Water vapor permeability is the ability of the fabric to transfer
the perspiration in the form of moisture vapor throughout it.
This property is measured by observing the amount of water
vapor passing through a square meter of fabric per
2446
22.00
Water Vapour Permeability
21.00
20.00
-WVP "g/h.m2"
19.00
18.00
17.00
16.00
15.00
Yarn blend ratio
Figure 7 Water vapor permeability for different fiber types at different fabric types.
twenty-four hours. A fabric with less water vapor permeability
is incapable to transfer enough moisture, leading to sweat
accumulation and discomfort.
From Fig. 7, it could be seen the values of fabric water
vapor permeability with respect to fiber type for different fab-
ric types. It is observed that the single jersey knitted fabric pro-
duced from 100% micro modal yarn has the highest water
vapor permeability. This fiber type is the best to get the supe-
rior water vapor permeability. The fiber fineness of the micro
modal affects the smoothness of its fabrics. The increase in
the fiber fineness guarantees smoother fabrics. A smooth sur-
face increases the contact area of a fabric with a skin and con-
sequently it has influence on its sensation level and provides
cool feeling effect.
The overall water vapor transport is a sum of the water
vapor transmission throughout air space existing as voids
formed at yarn interstices, and air between fibers and yarns
and moisture absorbed by fibers [17]. In a fabric composed
of significantly finer fibers, more fibers can be accommodated
in a given space than an equal volume of coarse fibers [18]. The
hydrophilic nature of the Tencel fibers for the 67% Tencel
LF/33% cotton and 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton against
70% Bamboo/30% cotton yarns might have enhanced the easy
passage of water vapor molecules through the yarn interior.
This might be the reason for the high water vapor transfer rate
obtained for these Tencel blended fabrics.
Moreover, the water vapor transfer rate was mainly
affected by the regain of the fabrics. Accordingly, the highest
water vapor transfer rate, obtained for 100% Bamboo fabric,
could be attributed to its highest regain. Also, single jersey
with Lycra fabrics has less water vapor permeability than sin-
gle jersey fabric.
4. Conclusion
The single jersey fabrics made from Tencel/cotton blended
yarns show maximum bursting strength compared with all
other fabrics. Also, the fibrils covered the 67% Tencel
STD/33% cotton fabric gives a protective layer against burst-
ing stress than 67% Tencel LF/33% cotton single jersey fabric.
A.A. Badr et al.
SJ
SJL
Single jersey with Lycra samples gives less bursting strength
values than plain single jersey for all studied samples despite its
higher g/m2 and thickness.
67% Tencel LF/33% cotton and 50% Tencel LF/50% cot-
ton have a higher abrasion resistance than 100% cotton single
jersey fabrics. Moreover, fibrillation features of Tencel STD
fabric decrease the abrasion resistance of this type of fabric.
The single jersey fabrics produced from Tencel and Bam-
boo/cotton blends or from 100% cotton have higher flexural
rigidity than all other fabrics. 67% Tencel LF/33% cotton
has more flexural rigidity than 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton
fabric, which is related to the contribution of the fibers inside
the yarn for the Tencel LF blend.
The high drapability behavior of the micro-modal and Ten-
cel products and their low initial shear modulus show decrease
for handle withdrawing force compared with 100% cotton sin-
gle jersey sample.
Blending Egyptian cotton with Tencel and bamboo fibers
improves UPF characteristic of the final produced fabric.
Bamboo fibers have extra merits of resisting ultraviolet radia-
tions compared to Tencel fibers as cleared in all 70/30 blended
ratios. The same conclusion could be reached for all 100%
studied fibers.
Fibrils covered the 67% Tencel STD/33% cotton fabric
gives more layer of protection against UPF than 67% Tencel
LF/33% cotton fabrics.
Blending cotton with Tencel fibers decreases the air perme-
ability level of the produced fabric although the merit of the
Tencel fiber has its air conditioning naturally. The air perme-
ability reduces with the increase of the fiber fineness as obvious
for the 100% micro modal fabrics compared with 100% modal
fabrics.
Single kersey knitted fabric produced from 100% micro
modal yarn has the highest water vapor permeability, where
this fiber type is the best to get the superior water vapor per-
meability. The hydrophilic nature of the Tencel fibers for the
67% Tencel LF/33% cotton and 67% Tencel STD/33% cot-
ton against 70% Bamboo/30% cotton yarns enhanced the
easy passage of water vapor molecules through the yarn
interior.
Influence of Tencel/cotton blends 2447

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Egyptian Spinning & Weaving Company, Mediterranean Tex-
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